At the prestigious TEFAF Maastricht fair, women artists took center stage alongside remarkable art transactions and acquisitions by renowned museums. The event, hailed by TEFAF Maastricht president Hidde van Seggelen as a pinnacle of global art exchange, witnessed significant sales and attention-grabbing artworks during its VIP preview.
Exceptional Artworks
Among the highlights was the sale of a painting by Dutch artist Gesina ter Borch to the Rijksmuseum. The piece, a posthumous portrait of her brother Moses, fetched €3 million. However, the highest-priced transaction of the preview was Claude Monet's "The Willows, Giverny," presented by M.S. Rau, though the exact price remains undisclosed.
M.S. Rau also showcased prized works such as a Degas pastel and a rare van Gogh painting, both fetching millions. Visitors experienced a unique perspective on art, aware that some pieces might vanish into private collections.
Transforming Spaces: The Artistic Atmosphere of TEFAF Maastricht
TEFAF Maastricht's grandeur lies not only in its extensive scope but also in its meticulous setting. The venue, MECC Maastricht, was transformed into a museum-like space adorned with thousands of flowers, creating a captivating ambiance. Galleries spared no effort in their booth designs, with some recreating opulent French salons and others showcasing mid-century lounge setups.
Drawing Diverse Audiences
The fair attracted a diverse audience, including museum directors, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the world. Alongside art, exquisite jewelry adorned the event, ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary designs.
Artistic Pairings and Intriguing Juxtapositions
Artistic pairings and juxtapositions added another layer of intrigue to the fair, with galleries presenting complementary works from different eras and styles. Despite the growing presence of contemporary art, older paintings remained a focal point, with masterpieces from renowned artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Artemisia Gentileschi captivating attendees.
Celebrating Artistic Richness
Overall, TEFAF Maastricht offered a gratifying experience, celebrating the richness and diversity of artistic expression while facilitating significant art transactions and museum acquisitions.